m6A RNA Modification in Colorectal Cancer: Regulatory Roles, Oncogenic Signaling, and Metabolic Pathways (IMAGE)
Caption
As a key element of the “RNA epigenetic code,” m6A plays a pivotal role in the regulation of RNA metabolism and the progression of CRC. Through the dynamic interactions of its regulatory proteins—writers, erasers, and readers—m6A modification fine-tunes various cellular processes such as gene expression, cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. These m6A-regulated processes are intricately linked to oncogenic signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and p53 pathways, which are critical drivers of CRC pathogenesis. Additionally, m6A-modifying enzymes present opportunities to develop targeted therapies, with studies predicting potential binding sites, offering new avenues for precision medicine and RNA-based treatments in CRC. Future clinical translation will require the development of selective and safe m6A-targeting agents. Preclinical evidence supporting METTL3 inhibition and the prognostic significance of m6A readers such as IGF2BP3 and YTHDF1 underscore the feasibility of targeting the m6A machinery. Integrating m6A-based biomarkers with metabolic and signaling signatures may improve patient stratification and therapeutic response prediction. Ultimately, precision epitranscriptomic intervention may represent a novel avenue for CRC management.
Credit
Qin Lu
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CC BY-NC